Rhiannan Lewis
Bolton
Summary
Animal Behaviour and Welfare graduate with extensive industry experience in rescue, rehabilitation, behaviour assessment, and practical husbandry. Managed behavioural assessments, implemented reward-based rehabilitation programmes, and provided post-adoption behavioural support while coaching volunteers and advising adopters on welfare-led training strategies. Aiming to advance into Rehabilitation Trainer & Behaviour Advisor role to enhance structured behaviour modification, team coaching, and improve outcomes for pets and people.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Pet Welfare/Reception and Admin Assistant,
Blue Cross
Radcliffe
2024.01 - Current
- Manage behavioural assessment and rehabilitation of pets within the preparation stage of their rehoming journey.
- Write detailed behavioural assessments for dogs, contributing to temperament profiling and adoption suitability decisions.
- Implement structured, reward-based behaviour modification plans for dogs, cats and small mammals.
- Lead small pet bonding cases across rats, mice, gerbils and chinchillas, successfully facilitating compatible pairings using behaviour-led approaches.
- Work extensively with nervous and shut-down cats, developing gradual desensitisation and confidence-building plans within a cattery environment.
- Provide post-adoption behavioural support, advising owners on muzzle training, settling strategies, and realistic behaviour modification techniques.
- Support complex pre-admission assessments alongside senior colleagues, contributing behavioural insight to case discussions.
- Coach volunteers and foster carers in behaviour observation, handling techniques and rehabilitation consistency.
- Maintain accurate behaviour logs and case records in line with Blue Cross procedures.
- Operate within emotionally charged situations, balancing welfare-first decision making with compassionate client support.
Volunteer Pet Foster Carer
Blue Cross
Radcliffe
2024.01 - Current
- Fostered puppies under 12 weeks, implementing toilet training, crate training, and structured early socialisation to promote healthy development.
- Bonded small rodent species, successfully matching mice, rats, gerbils, and chinchillas to suitable homes.
Supervisor and Dog Groomer
Pets at Home
Bolton
2021.05 - 2024.04
- Supervised team members and coached colleagues on safe animal handling practices and welfare standards.
- Managed dogs with handling sensitivity, fear, or avoidance behaviours to ensure a calm and safe grooming environment.
- Adapted tools, pace and handling techniques to reduce stress and build positive associations.
- Assessed behavioural stress indicators to make informed welfare decisions on procedural continuation.
Volunteer Small Animal Socialiser
RSPCA
Salford
2023.04 - 2023.05
- Rehabilitated small animals through socialisation and behavioural enrichment plans to enhance their adoptability.
- Co-developed behavioural rehabilitation and bonding plans using positive, non-punitive methods to foster trust and improve animal welfare.
Supervisor
Smiggle
Bolton
2016.01 - 2021.05
- Coached team members and provided feedback to enhance communication and improve overall performance.
- Managed store standards, stock control, and financial processes to ensure operational efficiency.
- Practised decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.
Zoo Volunteer (1 Year Work Placement)
University Centre Reaseheath
Reaseheath
2018.09 - 2019.08
- Conducted target training with otters, marmosets and civets using positive reinforcement to support voluntary veterinary behaviours.
- Provided high standards of husbandry and conducted health checks on exotic species. Developed and implemented training and enrichment programs for various animals. Delivered educational talks to the public and supported enrichment programmes.
- Monitored flight weight of free-flying birds of prey and made welfare-based handling decisions under pressure.
- Documented behavioural observations and husbandry reports to support animal welfare initiatives.
- Presented educational talks to engage public and enhance understanding of animal behaviour and welfare.
Farm Worker
Pimhole Community Farm
Bury
2016.09 - 2018.08
- Assisted in the husbandry of farm animals and administration of care routines.
- Received Bernadette Andrews Award for demonstrating commitment to animal welfare.
Cattery Assistant
Copthorne Cattery
Walshaw
2015.01 - 2016.03
- Enhanced welfare outcomes for nervous and stress-sensitive cats through tailored handling and environmental management.
- Managed the care and accommodation of cats, ensuring health and safety standards. Practical livestock husbandry and care routines.
Volunteer Animal Care Assistant
Armac Vets
Bury
2014.06 - 2014.07
- Assisted in surgical preparations and provided support during veterinary procedures. Veterinary exposure and surgical support.
Education
Bachelor of Science - BSc (Honours) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
University of Chester (including a year based at Reaseheath)
Chester, CheshireBTEC Level 3 Diploma - Animal Management
Bury Col
ManchesterA-Levels - Biology, Art, English Language, AS Chemistry
Holy Cross College
ManchesterGCSEs - 11 GCSEs, grades A-C, including Biology (A), English (A), and Maths (B)
Tottington High School
ManchesterSkills
- Multi species animal knowledge and handling grounded in both theory and practice
- Applied reward-based training and behaviour modification
- Dog behaviour rehabilitation across breeds and temperaments
- Small mammal bonding and re-bonding programmes
- Behavioural assessment and structured reporting
- Calm decision making in high-pressure welfare situations
- Safeguarding & Health and Safety Awareness
- Coaching & Development-Focused Leadership
- Coaching & Development-Focused Leadership
Certification
- Full clean UK driving licence and access to vehicle
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Pet Welfare/Reception and Admin Assistant,
Blue Cross
2024.01 - Current
Volunteer Pet Foster Carer
Blue Cross
2024.01 - Current
Volunteer Small Animal Socialiser
RSPCA
2023.04 - 2023.05
Supervisor and Dog Groomer
Pets at Home
2021.05 - 2024.04
Zoo Volunteer (1 Year Work Placement)
University Centre Reaseheath
2018.09 - 2019.08
Farm Worker
Pimhole Community Farm
2016.09 - 2018.08
Supervisor
Smiggle
2016.01 - 2021.05
Cattery Assistant
Copthorne Cattery
2015.01 - 2016.03
Volunteer Animal Care Assistant
Armac Vets
2014.06 - 2014.07
Bachelor of Science - BSc (Honours) Animal Behaviour and Welfare
University of Chester (including a year based at Reaseheath)
BTEC Level 3 Diploma - Animal Management
Bury Col
A-Levels - Biology, Art, English Language, AS Chemistry
Holy Cross College
GCSEs - 11 GCSEs, grades A-C, including Biology (A), English (A), and Maths (B)
Tottington High School